NEW YORK, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- KellBenx, a biotechnology company focused on the development of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) of genetic and inherited disorders, announced today that it has secured an initial funding round of $2.5 million from four investors – three biotechnology venture capital groups and one angel investor. The round will finance a clinical trial and laboratory testing of a new, minimally invasive blood test designed to identify risks to pregnancy ranging from pre-term birth to genetic conditions.

"We are delighted to have secured this round of funding and the support of our investors," said Hassan Bennani, MD., CEO of KellBenx. "The funds will be used to launch an IRB-approved clinical trial and build our Long Island laboratory to analyze the data we are producing. We are excited about the prospects of our technology and the company going forward."

"We are extremely pleased to partner with such an esteemed group of investors," said Leonard H. Kellner, President of KellBenx. "All of our investors bring tremendous energy, intellect and resources to this partnership, and we plan on leveraging their extensive networks to accelerate the adoption of KellBenx' revolutionary technologies."

About KellBenx

Founded in 2010, KellBenx, Inc. is a privately-held biotechnology company based in New York City. KellBenx is developing high value, innovative tests that leverage the ability to extract clinically relevant information from blood. Our focus is to improve women's healthcare and one of our first tests is in the area of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for genetic disorders. For more information, please call 631.643.2614 or visit www.kellbenx.com.